2013 Mercedes-Benz M Class vs. Its Competition

8.6

/ 10

TCC Rating

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Bengt Halvorson

Jun 12, 2012

While original Mercedes-Benz M Class was a luxury-SUV forerunner back in 1998, the market sure has changed since then.

Even though the market has become less focused on off-roading and more focused on interior appointments, comfort, and technology, most of these vehicle still offering some level of trail ability.

The Lexus RX 350 is the only one that doesn't take aim at off-roading in any form; it's essentially a tall luxury wagon, but supremely comfortable inside.

BMW's latest X5 lives up to that automaker's reputation for handling, and its interior is now significantly upgraded, but its ride quality is still a potential issue.

The Audi Q7 is a standout for design and interior comfort, and it does offer a third row.

The MDX is an aging design, and one of the less overtly styled vehicles here, but it offers surprisingly good handling and performance along with the great interior versatility that Honda offers in its Pilot.

The latest Jeep Grand Cherokee rides and handles nearly as well as the M Class (it is after all related), and it costs less.

Against most of these models, though, the M Class has the advantage in active-safety features.

2013 Mercedes-Benz M Class Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Audi Q7 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 BMW X5 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Lexus RX 350 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Acura MDX Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
8.2 / 10 TCC Rating For families who want off-road or towing ability, but not a third row of seats, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M Class is one of the most enjoyable, secure utility-vehicle picks.	8.6 / 10 TCC Rating The 2013 Audi Q7 is a premium, lavishly-appointed three-row utility vehicle with great on-road manners and capability, plus towing ability--without the off-road style or pretense.	8.0 / 10 TCC Rating While it's not as fresh-faced as some of the competition, the 2013 BMW X5 continues to shine in utility, comfort, driving, and, in the X5 M, shockingly high performance.	8.4 / 10 TCC Rating The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee blurs the SUV-crossover line expertly; better transmissions are at the top of the wish list.	8.0 / 10 TCC Rating The 2013 Lexus RX is plush and premium, and it delivers on that luxury impression, but it's not the over-the-top lavish expression some might seek.	8.2 / 10 TCC Rating The 2012 Acura MDX is not just comfortable and family-friendly; it's one of the most enjoyable three-row crossovers to drive.
MSRP From
$47,270	$46,800	$47,500	$27,695	$39,660	$43,030
Gas Mileage
13 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	14 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Supercharged Gas V6	Turbocharged Gas I6	Gas/Ethanol V6	Gas V6	Gas V6
EPA Class
Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD	Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD	Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
RWD 4-Door ML350	quattro 4-Door 3.0T Premium	AWD 4-Door 35i	RWD 4-Door Laredo	FWD 4-Door	AWD 4-Door
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	7	5	5	5	7
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	4	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD	Sport Utility	Sport Utility Vehicle	4 Door
Transmission
Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic